Search Results (58)

In Australasian countries such as New Zealand, algae consumption is gaining in popularity within consumer markets. Beverages containing macro-algae, like kelp, and those containing micro-algae, such as spirulina, are considered novel products. While consumer preferences for algae-based products are well explored, less attention has been given to beverages, despite their importance for consumers, specifically those interested in health and well-being. The present study is dedicated to this research gap and investigates the key factors driving and hindering New Zealand consumers’ willingness to drink, pay a price premium, and spread word of mouth about micro-algae-based beverages, such as tea, smoothies, and cuppa soups. Theoretically, the present study is grounded in a seminal Australasian driver and barrier model of seaweed consumption. The current research design both confirms and extends the consumer behaviours previously examined. An online consumer study was distributed and collected via an opt-in panel provider, resulting in 437 responses. Consumers mirroring the NZ population in age, gender, and household income were the target sample, and descriptive statistics and a quantitative analysis via a partial least squares structural analysis served as the methodological foundation for the study. Food neophilia and involvement with algae were significant drivers for all three behavioural intentions investigated. Food neophobia was a significant inhibitor to the willingness to drink but not significantly related to the willingness to pay a price premium or spread word of mouth. Consumer perceptions of product attributes were a significant driver of New Zealand consumers’ willingness to spread word of mouth. The study provides best practice recommendations for marketers in Australasian beverage industries. In terms of its theoretical merit, two aspects stand out. Micro-algae beverages are an emerging beverage product category in Australasian markets, requiring wider exploration and complementary consumer research dedicated to algae-based food items. The focus on food neophobia and neophilia is original, as it helps to understand the barriers and drivers essential to beverages. In contrast to food items, beverages cannot hide novel ingredients such as micro-algae, making them simultaneously more appealing to food neophilic consumers and extremely challenging to food neophobic consumers. Full article

Background/Objectives: Unhealthy snacking, most commonly consisting of sweets, savoury snacks and sugar-sweetened beverages, is associated with various adverse health outcomes. As long-term eating behaviours are commonly established in young adulthood, it is imperative to understand young adults’ dietary decision-making to encourage healthy eating. This study aimed to identify the factors of unhealthy snacking among young adults across the three main snack types. Methods: Australian young adults (N = 323, M = 24.73, SD = 3.23) completed an online questionnaire assessing their physical activity engagement, intention, appetitive traits (satiety responsiveness and enjoyment of food), stress and consumption of sweet snacks, savoury snacks and sugar-sweetened beverages. Results: Multiple regression analyses indicated that physical activity engagement and stress were significant factors of sweet snack consumption. Physical activity engagement was the only significant factor of savoury snack consumption. Physical activity engagement and satiety responsiveness were significant factors of sugar-sweetened beverage consumption. Conclusions: Findings identified factors to bridge the intention–behaviour gap in unhealthy snacking. Results support the evidence that rational dietary decision-making can be interrupted by less conscious cognitive or physiological processes. Interventions should consider the differential importance of factors contributing to the consumption of different snack types to reduce unhealthy snacking. Full article

This research addresses two specific knowledge gaps. The first regards the influence of domestic low-carbon technology (LCT) installation approaches and occupier status on user acceptance. The second is to demonstrate the role of machine learning techniques in producing an enhanced model-based understanding of domestic LCT acceptance. Together, these two approaches provide new insights into LCT acceptance through the theory of planned behaviour and demonstrate the value of machine learning for modelling such acceptance. Our aim is therefore to contribute to model-based knowledge about the acceptance of domestic LCTs. Specifically, we contribute new knowledge of the acceptance of LCTs according to the theory of planned behaviour and of the value of machine-learning techniques for modelling this acceptance. Through empirical research using an online quasi-experiment with 3813 English residents, we developed a model of low-carbon technology adoption and evaluated machine learning for model analysis. The design factors were the installation approach and occupier status, with main outcomes including adoption intention, willingness to accept, willingness to pay, attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioural control. To examine residents’ technology acceptance, we created two virtual reality models of technology implementation, differing in installation approach. For machine learning analysis, we employed nine techniques for model validation and predictor selection: linear regression, LASSO regression, ridge regression, support vector regression, regression tree (decision tree regression), random forest, XGBoost, k-NN, and neural network. LASSO regression emerged as the best technique in terms of predictor selection, with (near-)optimal model fit (R² and MSE). We found that attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioural control significantly predicted the intention to adopt low-carbon technologies. The installation approach influenced willingness to accept, with higher intention for new-build installations than retrofits. Homeownership positively predicted perceived behavioural control, while age negatively predicted several outcomes. This study concludes with implications for policy and future research, a specific emphasis upon contemporary UK policy towards Future Homes Standards, and public information campaigns targeted to specific demographic user groups. This research demonstrates the value of an extended theory of planned behaviour model to study the acceptance of LCTs and the value of machine learning analysis in acceptance modelling. Full article

With growing environmental consciousness and projections that green markets will represent 10% of global market value by 2030, a significant gap persists between consumers’ stated environmental concerns and their actual purchasing behaviour for green products. This study investigates how green brand positioning influences consumer purchase intention for green technology products, examining the mediating roles of self-image congruence and functional congruence, and the moderating effects of product involvement level and product optionality. A quantitative survey was conducted with 354 US participants who possess at least a bachelor’s degree and have experience with technology products, using validated scales through structural equation modelling and mediation analysis. The findings demonstrate a significant positive relationship between green brand positioning and purchase intention. Self-image congruence partially mediated this relationship, while functional congruence also served as a significant mediator. The product involvement level positively moderated the mediation effect of self-image congruence, whereas product optionality negatively moderated the mediation effect of functional congruence. Green brand positioning effectively enhances purchase intention when consumers perceive alignment with their environmental self-image and when products maintain a functional equivalence to non-green alternatives. Companies should focus on building environmental self-congruence while ensuring product quality to maximise green marketing effectiveness and bridge the intention–behaviour gap. Full article

This study is titled “Success Factors in Transport Interventions: A Mixed-Method Systematic Review (1990–2022)”. The purpose of the systematic review is to (1) identify effective interventions for transitioning individuals from private car reliance to sustainable transport, (2) summarise psychosocial theories shaping transportation choices and identify enablers and barriers influencing sustainable mode adoption, and (3) determine the success factors for interventions promoting sustainable transport choices. The last search was conducted on 18 November 2022. Five databases (Scopus, Web of Science, MEDLINE, APA PsycInfo, and ProQuest) were searched using customised Boolean search strings. The identified papers were included or excluded based on the following criteria: (a) reported a modal shift from car users or cars to less CO₂-emitting modes of transport, (b) covered the adoption of low-carbon transport alternatives, (c) comprised interventions to promote sustainable transport, (d) assessed or measured the effectiveness of interventions, or (e) proposed behavioural models related to mode choice and/or psychosocial barriers or drivers for car/no-car use. The identified papers eligible for inclusion were critically appraised using Sirriyeh’s Quality Assessment Tool for Studies with Diverse Designs. Inter-rater reliability was assessed using Cohen’s Kappa to evaluate the risk of bias throughout the review process, and low-quality studies identified by the quality assessment were excluded to prevent sample bias. Qualitative data were extracted in a contextually relevant manner, preserving context and meaning to avoid the author’s bias of misinterpretation. Data were extracted using a form derived from the Joanna Briggs Institute. Data transformation and synthesis followed the recommendations of the Joanna Briggs Institution for mixed-method systematic reviews using a convergent integrated approach. Of the 7999 studies, 4 qualitative, 2 mixed-method, and 30 quantitative studies successfully passed all three screening cycles and were included in the review. Many of these studies focused on modelling individuals’ mode choice decisions from a psychological perspective. In contrast, case studies explored various transport interventions to enhance sustainability in densely populated areas. Nevertheless, the current systematic reviews do not show how individuals’ inner dispositions, such as acceptance, intention, or attitude, have evolved from before to after the implementation of schemes. Of the 11 integrated findings, 9 concerned enablers and barriers to an individual’s sustainable mode choice behaviour. In addition, two integrated findings emerged based on the effectiveness of the interventions. Although numerous interventions target public acceptance of sustainable transport, this systematic review reveals a critical knowledge gap regarding their longitudinal impact on individuals and effectiveness in influencing behavioural change. However, the study may be affected by language bias as it only included peer-reviewed articles published in English. Due to methodological heterogeneity across the studies, a meta-analysis was not feasible. Further high-quality research is needed to strengthen the evidence. This systematic review is self-funded and has been registered on the International Platform of Registered Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Protocols (INPLASY; Registration Number INPLASY202420011). Full article

Background: Immunization coverage in Nigeria is low, with many children missing out on important lifesaving vaccines. To enable a better understanding of contextual factors towards increasing uptake, we piloted a Decentralized Immunization Monitoring (DIM) approach in the Kumbotso local government area (LGA) of Kano state, Nigeria, to identify wards with low vaccination rates and understand why this is happening. The findings were used to improve routine immunization (RI) programs and reduce the number of unvaccinated children and children yet to receive their first dose of diphtheria–pertussis–tetanus (DPT) vaccine, referred to as Zero-Dose children (ZD). Methods: This study adopted a cross-sectional design approach using the Behavioural and Social Drivers of Vaccination (BeSD) framework and the Lot Quality Assurance Sampling (LQAS). The study population comprised caregivers of children aged 0–11 months and 12–23 months across the 11 wards in Kumbotso District, Kano State, Nigeria, using a segmentation sampling approach. The study covered 209 settlements selected using probability proportionate to size (PPS) sampling from the wards. Univariate and bivariate analyses were performed to show patterns and relations across variables. Results: Out of 418 caregivers surveyed, 98.1% were female. Delayed vaccination was experienced by 21.9% of children aged 4.5–11 months, while the prevalence of ZD was estimated at 26.8% amongst the older cohort (12–23 months). A total of 71.4% of the delayed group and 89.1% of the ZD group remained unvaccinated. Caregiver education, rural residence, and home births correlated with delayed/ZD status (p < 0.05). Logistic regression associated higher caregiver education with reduced delayed vaccination odds (OR:0.34, p < 0.001) and urban residence with lower ZD odds (OR:1.89, p = 0.036). The antigen coverages of BCG (81.5%), DPT3 (63.6%), and measles 1 (59.7%) all surpassed the national dropout thresholds. Kumbotso, Unguwar Rimi, and Kureken Sani wards were all identified as underperforming and therefore targeted for intervention. Negative vaccine perceptions (50% delayed, 53.6% ZD) and distrust in health workers (46.4% delayed, 48.2% ZD) were significant barriers, though the caregiver intent to vaccinate was protective (OR: 0.27, p < 0.001). The cost of accessing immunization services appeared to have a minor effect on coverage, as the majority of caregivers of delayed and ZD children reported spending less than 200 Naira (equivalent to USD 0.15) on transport. Conclusions: This pilot study highlighted the utility of LQAS and BeSD in identifying low-performing wards, barriers, and routine immunization gaps. Barriers included low caregiver education, rural residence, and negative vaccine perceptions/safety. Caregiver education and urban residence were protective factors against delayed and ZD vaccination, suggesting social and systemic barriers, particularly in rural and less educated populations. Antigen-specific coverage showed disparities, with dropouts for multi-dose vaccines exceeding the national thresholds of 10%. Targeted measures addressing education, trust, and systemic issues are needed. Findings emphasize decentralized monitoring, community engagement, and context-specific strategies to reduce ZD children and ensure equitable vaccination in Nigeria. Full article

Fully immersive engine room simulators are increasingly recognised as prominent tools in advancing maritime education and training. However, end-users’ acceptance of these innovative technologies remains insufficiently explored. To address this research gap, this case-specific pilot study applied the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) to explore maritime engineering students’ intentions to adopt the newly introduced head-mounted display (HMD) virtual reality (VR) engine room simulator as a training tool. Sampling (N = 84) was conducted at the Faculty of Maritime Studies, University of Rijeka, during the initial simulator trials. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) revealed that perceived usefulness was the primary determinant of students’ behavioural intention to accept the simulator as a tool for training purposes, acting both as a direct predictor and as a mediating variable, transmitting the positive effect of perceived ease of use onto the intention. By providing preliminary empirical evidence on the key factors influencing maritime engineering students’ intentions to adopt HMD-VR simulation technologies within existing training programmes, this study’s findings might offer valuable insights to software developers and educators in shaping future simulator design and enhancing pedagogical practices in alignment with maritime education and training (MET) standards. Full article

As healthcare systems face mounting pressure to modernise payment infrastructure, fintech innovations have emerged as potential tools to improve affordability and efficiency. However, the adoption of these technologies in clinical settings remains limited. This study investigated the perceptions and resistance patterns of healthcare professionals toward Buy-Now-Pay-Later technology and blockchain in healthcare finance, using Innovation Resistance Theory as the guiding framework. Survey data collected from medical practitioners (N = 366) were analysed to identify knowledge gaps, perceived risks, and tradition-related barriers that influence adoption intent. The findings reveal that while interest in financial innovation exists, resistance is driven by institutional conservatism, regulatory uncertainty, and limited familiarity with decentralised finance systems. This research contributes to the literature by offering a theory-based explanation for why even high-potential financial tools face behavioural and structural resistance in healthcare environments. Full article

With the escalating environmental issues, the imperatives to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and advance energy products through innovation, energy production, and consumption frequently result in environmental externalities. Conventional markets frequently struggle to address these external factors, resulting in market failures. Consumers are more aware of the environmental repercussions, regulatory mandates, and potential economic benefits of new energy vehicles (NEVs). Consequently, there has been a substantial surge in the demand for NEVs as alternatives to conventional vehicles. This study analyses the method by which innovative technology moves from the stage of purchase intention dissemination toward market adoption and explores strategies to expedite this process. Moreover, it examines how the intentions of customers to purchase ecologically friendly energy goods and their receptiveness to such products affect the expansion of the market. Further analysis indicates that the factors influencing consumers’ attitudes towards NEVs include the adoption of ecological innovation, awareness of environmental product knowledge, and perceived value of innovative, environmentally friendly energy products. The purpose of this study is to expand upon the existing literature on consumer demand, examining the influential factors that extend the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) to enhance consumer intention through internal mechanisms. It explicitly focuses on these aspects, as well as perceived risk (PR) and perceived value (PV), to identify gaps in the literature and contribute to intentions to purchase NEVs in China. This study presents a thorough research framework for efficiently examining customer demand for comparable eco-friendly energy products. It investigates the potential influence of attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control, and environmental perceptions, specifically those concerning environmental knowledge and concerns. Moreover, personal factors such as attitude, normative beliefs, and perceived control beliefs were found to impact consumer attitudes towards NEVs. The key factor influencing purchasing intention was the attitude towards NEVs. Simultaneously, subjective norms did not have a direct effect on purchase intentions. However, social influence played a significant role in the decision-making process, with perceived behavioural control and subjective norms exerting considerable influence. Full article

Background: This study evaluated the validity and reliability of the Health Action Process Approach model to predict physical activity behaviours in women experiencing urinary incontinence. Methods: Participants (n = 389) completed a series of measures evaluating motivational and volitional factors related to health behaviour change, with data analysed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling. Results: The results demonstrated the model’s reliability, with the constructs of self-efficacy and outcome expectancies being strongly associated with behavioural intentions. Maintenance self-efficacy was identified as a key predictor of planning constructs, but intention and planning were less predictive of physical activity behaviour than anticipated. The inclusion of specific constructs to measure urinary incontinence outcome expectancies also highlighted the complex nature of the way urinary incontinence is experienced by women inside and outside of the physical environment. Conclusions: These findings emphasise the need for tailored interventions addressing both motivational and planning processes to bridge the intention–behaviour gap in this population. Further research is recommended to refine models for specific subgroups, incorporating age and health condition variables, to enhance intervention efficacy and promote lifelong physical activity engagement for women experiencing urinary incontinence. Full article

Background/Objectives: Qualitative research suggests there may be identifiable characteristics that form a health professional (HCP) archetype associated with habitual seasonal influenza vaccination (SIV). However, the validity of this archetype requires further investigation, ideally within a theoretical framework that can elucidate this association and its generalisability to other vaccines. This study aims to confirm key HCP archetype characteristics associated with SIV, as informed by prior qualitative research findings, and test the generalisability of the association between this archetype and SIV to COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. Method: A cross-sectional survey was designed and distributed to an Australian HCP sample consisting of practicing nurses, midwives, pharmacists, and medical practitioners. The anonymous online survey measured key characteristics that predict vaccination behaviour and intention. Results: Most participants (n = 173) demonstrated habitual SIV behaviour (77.91%) associated with the intention to vaccinate in the future. Survey findings supported the HCP archetype, as key constructs were associated with vaccination intention and behaviour, including heightened professional responsibility, vaccine confidence, and protection of self and patients. Furthermore, results suggested progressing vaccination intention to behaviour, overcoming vaccine complacency, is possible through the provision of free, accessible vaccination services. These critical factors were broadly generalisable to the COVID-19 vaccine. Conclusions: A vaccination-positive HCP archetype, supported by access to free, convenient vaccination services, was associated with the likelihood of future vaccination behaviour, including in future pandemic response scenarios. However, it will be important to ensure that HCP vaccine knowledge gaps are minimised to enhance trust in this cohort to enable broad success. Full article

This study investigates the mediating role of pro-environmental behaviours (PEBs) in the relationship between minimalism, collectivist culture, environmental concern, and green purchase intention (GPI) in emerging economies. This study aims to fill a gap in our understanding of how lifestyle choices, cultural values, and environmental consciousness influence sustainable consumption in collectivist settings. The study presents a new viewpoint on minimalism as an antecedent of pro-environmental behaviours, addressing deficiencies in the current literature regarding sustainability and consumer behaviour. The study utilises data from 385 participants across emerging economies and employs Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) to examine the links between components. Moreover, stringent validation methods, such as the heterotrait–monotrait ratio (HTMT), guarantee the trustworthiness and validity of the results. The findings indicate that minimalism, collectivist culture, and environmental concern favourably affect pro-environmental behaviours, which considerably mediate their influence on green purchase intention. Private PEBs exert a more significant impact on GPI than public PEBs, underscoring the significance of individual-level sustainable behaviours. These findings enhance the theoretical discussion on sustainability in emerging economies and provide practical insights for fostering sustainable consumer behaviours through culturally adapted techniques. Full article

This study addresses a research gap by examining the attitudes and interest of young Polish consumers in new foods containing insects. The results of the survey, which are presented in this article, were obtained as part of an inter-university project conducted at five Polish higher education institutions (N = 1063). The survey was conducted using the indirect interview method via an online platform (CAWI). This study aimed to assess attitudes, behaviours and intentions to purchasing insect foods, as well as factors influencing the selection of new foods containing insects and product preferences for such foods. The analysis revealed no statistically significant differentiation in consumer behaviour and declared intentions towards insect foods based on gender or place of residence (p > 0.001). Our results revealed correlations between the level of neophobia and negative attitudes among young consumers towards insect products, albeit weak in nature. The exploratory factor analysis suggested that the assessment of factors influencing the purchase of insect products may be based on a small number of dimensions, which were not found to be correlated, as follows: “Health and Environmental Concern”, “Organoleptic Attributes” and “Circumstantial Influences”. Full article

The South African beauty and personal care industry has been significantly impacted by digital technologies, with social media influencers (SMIs) playing a pivotal role in shaping consumer behaviour. Despite the significant role of SMIs, there is a notable research gap in optimising their influence to boost customer engagement and drive sales. This study addresses this gap by introducing a comprehensive digital framework integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and digitalisation to enhance influencer marketing (IM) strategies in South Africa’s beauty and personal care industry. The primary objective is to present a novel approach that digitally overlays traditional SMI marketing processes, enhancing engagement and effectiveness. A mixed-method approach was employed, integrating quantitative data from web scraping and sentiment analysis (SA) of Instagram posts with qualitative insights from the existing literature. This approach facilitated data-driven decision-making and optimised IM efficacy through technology-driven feedback analysis. The empirical findings confirmed that incorporating AI into influencer marketing (IM) campaigns significantly improves data collection and sentiment analysis, enhancing consumer engagement and purchase intent. This study underscores the transformative impact of digitalisation on marketing practices and the potential of digital tools to optimise SMI strategies in the beauty and personal care sector. This research also provides a valuable framework for marketers aiming to enhance IM campaigns, emphasising the strategic advantage of an automated response workflow based on feedback analysis. This study contributes to developing more impactful digital marketing strategies, maximising the effect of SMIs, and ensuring market competitiveness. Full article

Green energy sources play a vital role in mitigating environmental impacts and reducing dependence on energy imports. Growing concerns over climate change, coupled with public policies promoting the expansion of green energy, have notably shaped consumer attitudes and behaviours. This study aims to address the knowledge gap by examining the impact of a sustainable lifestyle, consumer innovativeness, and economic attitudes on the intention to adopt green energy sources. The research was conducted on 580 Polish consumers using an online survey. The results of structural equation modelling revealed that pro-environmental self-identity (PESI) and consumer innovativeness (CI) have a positive impact on consumer behaviour toward green energy sources. Pro-environmental self-identity (PESI) is the strongest determinant of consumer behaviour toward green energy sources. Our research on Polish consumer behaviour could serve as a frame of reference for other countries, particularly in Central and Eastern Europe. From a theoretical standpoint, this research enhances the understanding of pro-environmental self-identity (PESI) and its link to consumer innovativeness while also offering insights into consumer behaviour related to green energy sources, based on the experiences from the Polish market. The conclusions derived from this study may provide valuable guidance for managers and policymakers in formulating strategies to promote the adoption of green energy sources across Europe effectively. Full article